BREAKING: Multiple Colorado police officers 'down' as shooter fires at 911 call responders

Multiple police officers are "down" after being shot as they responded to a domestic violence call at a home in Douglas County, Colorado.



The gunman was reported to be "down" and a civilian was also wounded in the early morning shootout, with at least seven people being taken to two hospitals, it was reported.



Police had said an "active shooter" situation was underway and a heavily-armed SWAT team had surrounded a block of flats where the suspected gunman was believed to be holed up.



A bomb squad was also called to the scene in Highlands Ranch, just south of Denver, with neighbours being told to shelter in place.



A police spokesman told KKTV 11 that the situation was "not looking good for us".



Denver 7 News reporter Tony Kovaleski wrote on Twitter that sources have told him the gunman was "down" and a civilian was also shot, in addition to the deputies, in an "early morning shootout".



At least seven people were taken to two hospitals, including three in non-critical condition to Sky Ridge Medical Center, local media reported.



Reporters covering the incident said they heard gunshots after emergency services arrived at the scene.



Aerial footage showed officers staging in a car park, including a heavily-armed SWAT team wearing camouflage uniforms and helmets.